FORMATION OF ADENOSINE 3'-MONOPHOSPHATE IN RAT-LIVER MITOCHONDRIA

An unknown adenine-related compound (UKC) in rat liver mitochondria wa s characterized. Based on the sensitivity to periodate oxidation, nucl ease P-1 digestion, property of fluorescence derivatization, elution b ehavior on different separation modes of HPLC columns and the mass spe ctrum of purified UKC, the UKC was identified as adenosine 3'-monophos phate (3'-AMP), an intracellular P-site inhibitor of adenylate cyclase . 3'-AMP may be enzymatically produced from RNA in rat liver mitochond ria in temperature- and time-dependent manners. A partial characteriza tion of 3'-AMP forming enzyme is included.